Thymus Cortex Structure and Composition

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What is the primary function of the blood-thymus barrier in the thymus?

To allow thymocytes to encounter antigens

To facilitate the development of T lymphocytes

To produce cytokines for T lymphocyte development

To prevent thymocytes from exposing to antigens (correct)

What type of TECs acts as antigen-presenting cells and secretes cytokines important for T lymphocyte development?

Reticular TECs

Cortical squamous TECs

Stellate TECs (correct)

Squamous TECs

What is the characteristic of the nuclei of TECs?

Large, irregular, and heterochromatic

Small, oval, and heterochromatic

Small, round, and densely stained

Large, round, and euchromatic (correct)

What is the purpose of the cortico-medullary barrier formed by cortical squamous TECs?

To separate the cortex and medulla of the thymic lobule Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the thymus cortex?

T lymphoblasts Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of stellate TECs in T lymphocyte development?

To produce cytokines for T lymphocyte development Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Hassall's corpuscles?

They stain readily with eosin Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of thymic corpuscles during thymic involution?

Cystic dilatation with accumulation of cellular debris Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary location of dendritic cells in the thymus?

Medulla Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of macrophages in the thymus?

Phagocytic activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of thymocytes in the cortex?

They have abundant, strongly basophilic cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the thymus in relation to lymphocyte development?

Development of lymphocytes through a process of selection and education Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the blood-thymus barrier in the cortex?

To prevent cortical T lymphocytes from interacting with foreign macromolecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the thymic epithelial cells (TECs) in the cortico-medullary layer?

To support lymphocytes and dendritic cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of Hassall's corpuscles in the medulla?

They are composed of concentric layers of flattened type VI epithelioreticular cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Hassall's corpuscles in the medulla?

To promote the development of regulatory T lymphocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the cortex and the medulla in terms of the blood-thymus barrier?

The cortex has a blood-thymus barrier, while the medulla does not Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are found in the medulla, in addition to TECs?

Mature lymphocytes and dendritic cells Signup and view all the answers